Charles Kalil

Our beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, CHARLES KALIL passed away at his home peacefully with his loving family at his side. He was very proud of his Lebanese Heritage. His parents emigrated from Lebanon, his Father via Ellis Island in New York, his Mother via Mexico. They married in Texas, having eleven children all born in Texas. From meager beginnings, Charles built one of Texas ‘largest Wholesale Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Companies his life’s work and love. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in England, as a Gunner Engineer on a B17. He flew twenty one missions over Germany before his plane was shot down, where he spent thirteen months as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft 3. His camp was liberated by General George Patton's Army in 1945. Upon returning to the U.S., he flew directly to Florida and married the love of his life, Vivilyn Tucker. They were married for 65 years and became parents to four wonderful children. Surviving him are daughter, Jeanne Kalil Hemwattakit, son, John Charles Kalil and wife Susie, daughter JoAnne Kalil Smullen and niece Judy Moon. Grandchildren, Lee Kalil Hemwattakit, Evan Kalil, Shana and Marly Kalil and Staci Smullen, sister, Kiki Modgling and husband Don, brothers, Bill Kalil, Eddie Kalil and wife Rose, and Brother-in-law Douglas Caldwell. Preceded in death by parents, Naum and Martha Kalil, son, Jerry Kalil and Grandson, Christopher Charles Kalil, sisters Anne Cain, Thelma Petro, Sayde Stein, Mamie Duncan, Mavis Elias and Helen Caldwell and, brother Michael Kalil. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to many concerned friends, Chester Grevsky, Warren Brice, Murphy Guillory, Collie Gibson, Bruce Crosthwait, Luwayne and James Dzierzanowski, Claudell Presnal, Eli Barron and Jimmy Brosch. Those desiring, please make donations in Charles' name to The Houston Food Bank, 3811 Eastex Freeway Houston, TX. 77026 or phone: 713-223-3700. An informal reception will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00PM, with a tribute by Rev. George Aurich beginning at 6:00PM Saturday, October 9, 2010.